Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Málaga is a port city in southern Spain known for its historical architecture, cultural offerings, and as a gateway to the Costa del Sol. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 578,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average internet speed is around 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD; major banks include Banco Santander, BBVA, and CaixaBank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Deutsche Bank and online services like N26 and Revolut are popular among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available on platforms such as Airbnb, Spotahome, and local real estate agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Spotahome are prominent options for short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Sur, located in La Malagueta, offers affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | La Malagueta is recommended for its beach proximity and tourist attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | El Centro Histórico is ideal for digital nomads due to coworking spaces and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Living Room, well-known for its design and vibrant atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Central is popular among freelancers for its reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are regularly hosted on platforms like Meetup in cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like Málaga Expat Community on Facebook organize regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify and Free Now are popular ride services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Renting is available through services like Movo and Lime. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Malagueta Beach is the closest, just a short walk from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Vueling Airlines provides numerous domestic connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Iberia and British Airways connect Málaga with major international cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | AP-7 and A-7 highways provide excellent access to surrounding areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Málaga María Zambrano station is the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Málaga public transport offers a 'Tarjeta 10' for 10 bus rides. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services by Renfe connect Málaga to Córdoba, Seville, and Granada. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Mala offers classes in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit has multiple locations throughout the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like Lavandería La Malagueta operate throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Just Eat for online food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Espetos de sardinas (grilled sardines), a local specialty enjoyed at the beach. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan restaurant Celicioso offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Casa de la Empanada is famous for its sweet creations. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central de Atarazanas is an excellent place for local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce platforms like El Corte Inglés provide grocery options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercados like Carrefour offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Plaza de la Merced is lively with numerous bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Malaga Beer Company produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bodega El Pimpi offers regional wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Papas con mojo served from various stalls by the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'La Tabernita' offer Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Alcazaba of Málaga is an essential historical site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Picasso Málaga showcases works of the famous artist. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Roman Theatre is a well-preserved ancient site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Málaga, known as 'La Manquita', is worth a visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Feria de Agosto is a major summer festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Soho Málaga is known for its street art and creative vibe. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Cervantes hosts various performances and concerts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Salamanca for fresh local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is featured at venues like ZZ Pub. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in Soho and the nearby neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Andalucian Cooking School offers classes in local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Contemporáneo is a must-visit for art lovers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa Natal de Picasso, birthplace of Pablo Picasso. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Málaga's heritage is rich, reflecting a blend of Roman, Moorish, and Spanish influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Montes de Málaga Natural Park offers hiking and nature trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sierra de las Nieves is a protected national park situated nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal promenade provides beautiful cycling and walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Gibralfaro Castle offers breathtaking views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | La Laguna de Fuente de Piedra is famous for its flamingos. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires after necessary permissions. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correos (Spanish postal service) provides reliable parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iRepair offer electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Parks and community centers have outdoor table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cervantes offers Spanish language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública Municipal provides a quiet space for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centros de Participación Activa organize various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming venues like Arena Gaming offer a place for gamers to gather. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Marbella is a nearby option for gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 19% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 47% (highest regional rate in Spain) |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual taxes incurred based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 8% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreigners residing for less than 183 days in Spain are not taxed on worldwide income. |